Black Friday Headphone Roundup: Which '50% Off' Deals Are Actually Worth It?

Let's be real: when you see a '50% off' sticker on a pair of headphones, your first instinct should be skepticism. Usually, it means a brand is desperate to clear out old stock to make room for the new stuff. But as we hit the early Black Friday window, some of these price cuts are actually justifiable—provided you know which models are being 'sunsetted' and which are still top-tier performers.

As first reported by Wired, I've been digging through the latest deals, and here is the breakdown of what is actually worth your cash.

### The 'Sunsetted' Steals: High Value, Old Gen

Some of the deepest discounts are hitting Sony's lineup, and while these models are technically being replaced, they aren't obsolete.

**Sony WH-1000XM5** According to Wired, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is being effectively replaced by the more premium XM6 and the cheaper, revived XM4C. However, the blue colorway is currently sitting at a massive 50% discount, priced at $198 (down from $398) at Best Buy, or $200 (down from $400) at Sony. Harry Rabinowitz of Wired notes that when these launched in 2022, they were the top pick for over-ear headphones and still far outperform other options at this specific price point.

**Sony WH-CH720N** If you see these at 51% off—$88 at Amazon and Walmart—it's because Sony recently launched the WH-CN730N to replace them. While Wired reports these can't compete with the specs of the premium models, they are a viable budget pick due to being ultra-lightweight (192 grams) and offering 35 hours of battery life with ANC enabled.

**Shokz OpenFit 2+** For those who prefer open-ear designs, the Shokz OpenFit 2+ is seeing its lowest price ever at $100 (50% off) via Amazon and Best Buy. Rabinowitz notes that while clip-on designs are becoming more popular, these wrap-around headphones still deliver great sound quality for the category, wireless charging, and long battery life.

### The 'Modern' Discounts: New Tech, Lower Prices

Not every deal is about clearing out the warehouse. Some of the latest flagship gear is seeing its first real price cuts.

**Apple AirPods Pro 3** These are currently 20% off, priced at $199 (down from $249) at Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Boutayna Chokrane of Wired highlights that these are Apple's best AirPods yet, featuring a new acoustic architecture for deeper bass, redesigned ear tips for a secure fit, and an IP57 rating against rain, sweat, and dust. New additions include a camera remote, live translation, and a heart rate sensor for tracking fitness.

**Apple AirPods Max 2** If you're looking for premium over-ears, the AirPods Max 2 are seeing discounts of up to $100. Amazon has them for $450 (down from $549), while Best Buy has them for $480. Chokrane reports that the H2 chip improves transparency and ANC while enabling conversation awareness and improved Siri interactions. While the plush ear cuffs can trap heat, the $100 discount makes these much easier to justify than the original $549 price tag.

**Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)** For the ANC purists, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is available for $359 at Amazon and $360 at Best Buy (roughly 20% off). Wired labels these as the benchmark for ANC over-ear headphones.

### The Budget Wildcards

If you're looking to spend under $100, there are a few options that punch above their weight class.

**Nothing Ear (3a)** These are currently 30% off, priced at $69. Wired describes them as a favorite for the under-$100 category, praising the bold colors (especially yellow) and semi-transparent design, though they note the automated noise-canceling isn't the best.

**Nothing Headphone (1)** At 43% off ($169), these are described by Wired as a 'home run' in both looks and sound. The standout features here are the tactile on-ear controls, including a clicky volume wheel and a rocker paddle for skipping tracks.

**CMF Headphone Pro** Coming from Nothing's budget-focused sub-brand, CMF, the Headphone Pro is currently $49 (38% off). Wired calls this price a 'steal,' noting that they are comfortable and sound surprisingly good for the cost.